His pontificate was marked by protracted controversies with France and Portugal.
Henderson's own works are chiefly contributions to current controversies, speeches and sermons.
In recent times controversies have arisen in connexion with the Baltic, the Black Sea and more especially the Bering Sea.
In the bitter religious controversies of the time Anglesey showed great moderation and toleration.
Liberal support was given to the Confederacy, both in men and supplies, but Governor Vance, one of the ablest of the Southern war governors, engaged in acrimonious controversies with President Jefferson Davis, contending that the general government of the Confederacy was encroaching upon the prerogatives of the separate states.